McLaren Unveils Its Fastest Open Top Supercar Ever: The 675LT Spider

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A 203 mph wind in your face experience.

Last year at Geneva, McLaren revealed the absolutely wonderful track-focused 675LT. "LT" stands for "Longtail," a name originally given to the McLaren F1 homologation special back in 1997. The track-going version raced at a number of endurance events including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And now, due to heavy customer demand, the Woking, UK-based supercar builder has revealed the 675LT Spider, set to make its official debut at this year’s Geneva show in March.

Like the coupe, the 675LT Spider is powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 with 666 hp at 7,100 rpm and 516 lb-ft of torque available at between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm. In you case you haven’t noticed, those figures are exactly the same as the 675LT Coupe, and delivers a power-to-weight figure of 525 hp per ton.

This engine also powers the 650S/650S Spider, but McLaren claims that more than 50 percent of its components were replaced to ensure optimized power and performance. Specifically, the turbos are more efficient and there were design changes to the cylinder heads and exhaust manifolds as well as a faster-flowing fuel pump and delivery system. Power is sent to the rear wheels via the familiar seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Performance is, of course, outstanding. Try 0-62 mph in just 2.9 seconds and to 124 mph in 8.1 seconds – giving away only 0.2 seconds to the more aerodynamically optimized and lighter coupe. Top speed comes in at 203 mph.

Even with those numbers, the 675LT Spider returns 24.1 mpg on the EU combined cycle. And then there’s that power retractable hardtop. It’s a three-piece unit that can be opened at speeds up to 19 mph. Because of the inherent strength of the carbon fiber MonoCell chassis, no further strengthening, as well as associated weight increase, has been added through the removal of the roof; the Spider is only 40kg (88 lbs.) heavier than the Coupe. The retractable hardtop stows below a color-coded tonneau cover, and the engine remains visible through a lightweight polycarbonate engine cover.

As with the Coupe, the Spider’s front bumper, front under body, side skirts, side intakes, lower side intakes, rear bodyside lower, rear fenders, rear deck, diffuser, and "Longtail" Airbrake are all carbon fiber. Total dry weight is just 2,799 lbs, some 220 lbs. lighter than the 650S Spider. Everything from the Coupe, including the Alcantara and carbon fiber rich interior, suspension, wheels (19-inch up front and 20-inch at the rear, all wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires), and exterior paint colors are carried over. 20-spoke Super-lightweight forged alloys are also offered for the first time. In addition, there’s also an exclusive Solis (Latin for sun) deep gold paintwork bespoke exterior color only available on the Spider.

Buyers can also opt for the optional Club Sport Professional Pack, featuring four-point harnesses and fire extinguisher. Limited to just 500 examples globally, the McLaren 675LT Spider has a base price of 285,450 pounds or $431,372. It is the fastest and most powerful open-top McLaren has ever made.